The Chicago Fire, tied for second in the Eastern Conference, are taking the conservative approach with banged-up midfielder Pável Pardo.

Pardo, a 36-year-old Mexican, has missed the past three matches because of a nagging calf injury. He won’t play Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union and might not be ready for Saturday’s match at the New York Red Bulls.

“We don’t want to rush now,” Pardo told reporters Tuesday. “Of course, I would like to play on Saturday, but the most important thing is how I feel and what is the danger, so if it’s at 100 percent, I’ll play. If not, I cannot play because we have players also who can do it.”

In other Firenews, center back Austin Berry says he’ll be ready to play Wednesday despite a shoulder injury last weekend against Sporting Kansas City.